Basalioma, or basal cell carcinoma, is a malignant skin tumor that has a relatively benign course (it grows slowly and does not metastasize).
It occurs more often than other malignant skin tumors (more than 80% of cases).
The disease occurs mainly in people over 45 years of age, but can also appear in young people, says Lyudmila Artyushkevich, a 1st category oncologist at the HappyDerm medical center.
Basal cell carcinoma develops equally often in men and women.
The following risk factors increase the likelihood of developing basal cell carcinoma:
- sun exposure. People living in southern latitudes, rural residents and summer cottage owners are more susceptible to the disease;
- fair skin;
- hereditary predisposition;
- work in a chemical plant or in a vehicle depot;
- weakening of the immune system;
- chronic skin trauma from clothing;
- any types of burns;
- age over 40 years.
The tumor usually occurs on open areas of the body exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This is the face (nose, forehead, cheeks), neck, décolleté, and ears. Much less often - on the trunk and limbs.
At first, a small pinkish or flesh-colored bump appears, resembling a small pimple. Over the course of several years, it slowly grows. Over time, an ulcer appears on the bump, then a crust forms, which sometimes falls off, then reappears.
The formation may bleed. However, the person does not experience any painful sensations.
Often the neoplasm is ignored and considered a cosmetic defect.
Basalioma does not pose a threat to life. But if the tumor is not treated for a long time, it can lead to tissue destruction and significant cosmetic problems. This is due to the fact that 85% of basaliomas are located on the skin of the face or neck.
Diagnostics. The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis during examination and dermatoscopy. To confirm, a scraping can be performed, which is sent for cytological examination.
Treatment
The treatment is quite simple. There are two options.
- If the basalioma is located in a place where it is easier to remove, then the operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- If the tumor is difficult to remove, close-focus X-ray therapy is used. After it, there is a slight inflammatory reaction, but then most often you can’t even see the place that was irradiated.
If treatment is started in a timely manner, the prognosis is favorable.
What to do
If you find a sore that has not healed for more than a month, do not think and check your assumptions on the Internet - it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
